Doyle defends travel expenses

The Governor is defending the expensive travel bills of his Secretary of Commerce.

An investigation by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel turned up large expenses charged by Commerce Secretary Jack Fischer on international trips, such as a $555 a night hotel bill and $80 dinners. Governor Jim Doyle says Fischer is just doing his job by going on trade missions. He says costs can often be much higher in Europe as well, so agencies have higher spending limits. Doyle says Fischer's job is to promote Wisconsin around the world.

The investigation also raised questions about Fischer's use of a state credit card for personal expenses, including a $520 laundry bill. Doyle says the Secretary repaid those charges.

Governor Jim Doyle also defended the Secretary's decision to take administrative assistant Deborah Godt with him on three international trips. He says it's perfectly appropriate for a cabinet Secretary to take an assistant of their choice with them.

Fischer's expenses came after the Governor ordered travel restrictions for state agencies.